Didier Deschamps' Wake-Up Call: France's World Cup 2026 Hopes Hang on October Tests
9 October 2025
Key Messages from the Coach
Didier Deschamps, the France head coach, warned his players not to underestimate opponents in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
France, atop Group D with six points, Iceland second on three, while Azerbaijan and Ukraine are tied on one, face a crucial October schedule that could seal qualification.
France, two-time world champions (1998 and 2018), can secure a place in the 2026 finals by winning both October matches—hosting Azerbaijan on Friday at the Parc des Princes before a trip to Iceland on Monday.
In a Thursday press conference, Deschamps warned before facing Azerbaijan: "I warned the players about the nightmare of not qualifying for the World Cup in 1994; it's essential, this nightmare is part of my journey, and I have lived through many happy moments since."
The French coach added: "We can joke about Italy for missing out in the last two editions, but we must not have a weak memory; we have faced the same fate before, so we must stay humble; we play at a high level, and the shock would be severe."
“In football, not much is required; I don’t want to leave room for chance or the unexpected; we must stay highly positive, avoid negativity, be realistic, and the priority now is our match tomorrow against Azerbaijan.”
Deschamps stressed: "We respect all opponents; Azerbaijan are a spirited side who did well in their last game; they have nothing to lose against us, we must not give them a chance to threaten us; the task is not easy, but I know the players will not underestimate the game; earning six points from the first two rounds does not guarantee qualification."
He added: "We must not start thinking we will decide the game at any moment; we must commit to our duties from the start; Azerbaijan drew with Ukraine last round, and have seven players from Qarabag who perform well in the Champions League; I'm not saying we fear the match, but the matter is in our hands."
Deschamps also spoke about Kylian Mbappe's readiness, saying: "It's about his ankle; he has followed the treatment and rehab program, and we will monitor him in today's training; if all goes well, he will feature in the game."
The France manager added that a fixed starting XI is not realistic; two or three changes are needed given the tight schedule and two matches in three days.
Deschamps kept the lineup under wraps, telling journalists: "Which player do you want to involve? I won't reveal the lineup; the decision will be made after today's training, and some players may make their international debuts."
In other news, Deschamps is not worried about Adrien Rabiot, the AC Milan midfielder, facing whistles at the Parc des Princes as a former PSG player who moved to Marseille weeks ago.
Deschamps concluded: "Rabiot should not be subjected to whistles, but we will play at Parc des Princes; fans may rile some individuals, yet Rabiot is mature, handles such conditions well, and did not let it affect him in the last match against Iceland, even helping us avoid a sure goal."
Deschamps has been France's manager since summer 2012, succeeding Laurent Blanc, who won the 1998 World Cup with the team.
In the dugout, he has steered the nation to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2021 UEFA Nations League triumph, plus Euro 2016 runners-up, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, and a 2025 Nations League bronze.
The coach said he will end his tenure after World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, paving the way for Zinedine Zidane to captain the Blues someday.
Punchline 1: France's defense is so tight, even the ball files a protest.
Punchline 2: If patience were a superpower, Deschamps would file for unlimited overtime.
